We Had a Ladybug Infestation, Here’s How We Got Rid of Them

You may think that because ladybugs are typically half an inch long and weigh less than .02 grams, they wouldn’t put up much fight. However, from our experience, they’re one of the most challenging insects to battle when they invade your home or RV. This is primarily because they don’t come alone. They bring a few hundred or even thousands of their friends. We learned a thing or two during our battle and want to share how to get rid of ladybugs in your home or RV.

Let’s get started.

Why Is My House/Camper Full of Ladybugs?

Ladybugs will typically find their way into a house or RV camper during the fall. They can sense the changing of the seasons, especially as the temperatures start to drop. They’re simply looking for a warm place to spend the winter, and your home or camper checks all the right boxes.

Ladybugs also release a certain pheromone during mating season. This pheromone has a distinct odor and can attract an army of ladybugs to your home or camper. Once they release the pheromone in your RV or house, it’s only a matter of time before more arrive at your doorstep.

If you want the best chance of getting rid of ladybugs, you’ll need a solid defense. Luckily, we’ll share with you some things you can do to create a solid defense against ladybugs in your home or camper.

Pro Tip: Keep your camper critter free with this guide on How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths in Your Home or RV Camper

Ladybug…or Asian Lady Beetle?

Many people make a common mistake to confuse ladybugs with Asian lady beetles. Ladybugs typically have red shells with many black spots, and Asian lady beetles have varying shell colors from light orange to bright red. Neither type is fun to have invading your living space and can be quite annoying.

If you want to identify which species you’re battling, it’s essential to know that ladybugs often have a rounded shape and are smaller than Asian lady beetles. Asian lady beetles also typically have an “M” shaped marking where their head meets with their wings. Neither ladybugs nor Asian lady beetles pose any real threat to humans, but Asian lady beetles can bite, which can feel like a pinprick. 

The Ladybug Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a ladybug is approximately one year. They go from an egg to a mature adult in about four to eight weeks. Ladybugs begin to hibernate once temperatures start to dip below 55 degrees. This is one of the primary reasons you’ll begin to see ladybugs invading your home or RV during the fall.

How to Get Rid of Ladybugs

If you’re battling ladybugs, there are a handful of things you can do to evict them and regain control of your home. Let’s look at where you should start.

Vacuum Them Up or Sweep Them Outside

The easiest way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up or sweep them outside. This will likely be a tedious process because you’ll spot another one once you put the vacuum away. You’ll only grow increasingly annoyed at these invaders during this process. However, they’ll find a comfortable spot to survive all winter inside your house if left alone.

Having a small handheld vacuum can make it very easy and convenient to rid your house of ladybugs. However, it will be a never-ending process until the temperatures kill off all the ladybugs outside and you sweep up the ones that have invaded your home or camper unless you use other measures as well.

Pro Tip: We found The Best RV Vacuum Options for Your RV to help you suck up ladybugs!

Spray Them With Vinegar

The pheromones that ladybugs release attract other ladybugs. Spraying ladybugs with vinegar can kill them on contact and cover up the pheromone scent. This will help prevent the scent from attracting more ladybugs to your home or RV.

Put Down Some Sticky Tape to Get Rid of Ladybugs

Sticky tape can be an excellent tool for catching ladybugs and Asian lady beetles once they enter your residence. If you notice places where they’re entering or gathering, putting some sticky tape there will trap them. You can then discard the used trap once it’s full or no longer sticky. 

Use Traps to Get Rid of Ladybugs

In addition to sticky tape traps, there are a few other creative ways you can trap these invaders. You can place a bowl of dishwater near where ladybugs are gathering. The soap mixture makes it very difficult for them to get out of the water. 

If you’d rather know how to get rid of ladybugs in a more humane way, you can use a plastic soda bottle and an LED light. Cut the soda bottle in half and flip the top half into the bottom half. Add an LED light to the funnel. The insects will flock towards the bright light and get themselves stuck. You can then release them outside without harming them.

When to Call an Exterminator to Get Rid of Ladybugs

Some of the most extreme ladybug infestations may require you to call an exterminator. If you don’t have any luck ridding your home or RV camper of ladybugs, you may need to call in a professional.

While ladybugs will typically die off when the temperature drops, they’re likely to last through the winter if you let them get too comfortable in your home. If you wait for temperatures to drop and they’re not going away, call your favorite pest control company and see if they can help.

Preventing Ladybugs From Entering Your Home and Camper

You can do a few things to keep ladybugs out of your home and camper in the first place. Let’s look at a few preventative measures you can take to create a solid defense against ladybugs.

Seal Up Your Home or Camper

Ladybugs and other insects are typically tiny. They’ll sneak their way in through even the smallest cracks and holes in your screen or weatherstripping.

Seal up any spots around your home or camper that you notice need attention. If you can keep them out of your home, then nature will run its course, and they’ll die off when the temperatures drop later in the season.

Use Essential Oils or Bay Leaves as a Scent Deterrent

You can use a ladybug’s strong sense of smell to your advantage. They typically don’t enjoy the smell of cloves, mums, bay leaves, peppermint, lavender, and other strong scents. You can use these scents to create a spray you can use on your home or RV window screens and window seals where you’ve seen ladybugs entering.

It’s a good idea to be proactive with how to get rid of ladybugs and apply this spray towards the end of summer or immediately at the first signs of a ladybug. You’ll likely have better results this way and be able to enjoy a ladybug-free space all fall and winter.

Pro Tip: Essential oils can do more than keep away ladybugs. Make sure to always have on hand these 7 Best Essential Oils for Camping & Recreating Outdoors.

Plant or Get Potted Mums

One of the most natural ways to keep ladybugs away is by having plants they don’t enjoy. Mums are a great option because not only do ladybugs hate them, but they also bloom in the fall.

This can help create a less hospitable place for ladybugs to camp each autumn. However, if they come during other times of the year, you won’t have much protection once the mums die off for the season.

Use Insecticides to Get Rid of Ladybugs

Finally, there are several high-quality insecticides that you can spray inside and outside your home or camper. This will prevent ladybugs from searching in and around your home or camper for a spot to weather the winter season. HARRIS creates a liquid spray that is odorless and non-staining that will help protect your home from both ladybugs and Asian lady beetles.

Protect Your Property From a Ladybug Infestation

A ladybug infestation can be maddening and can test your patience. However, you can reduce the chances of a major infestation by establishing a solid defense before their arrival.

If you follow the tips we learned from handling our ladybug infestation, you’ll stand a much better chance than we did. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to get rid of ladybugs, you’ll be ready for when they come back again this season!

Have you ever had to battle a ladybug infestation? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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